Babies First is a developmental screening program for children at risk of developmental delay due to a variety of risk factors including: premature birth; drug exposed infant during pregnancy; low birth weight; age of the parent/caregiver; low income/poverty; and many other factors. The majority of referrals are from hospitals at the time of birth

Babies First targets children from birth to age five. Potential problems can be detected quickly and interventions started and monitored regularly. Public health nurses conduct in-home health and developmental screening for participating children on a regular basis. The nurses work closely with the families on parenting skills, health education, advocacy, and referrals to services in other agencies. Babies First focuses on helping families learn to care for and better understand their children.

Services:

• Nurses providing home visits to pregnant women, new families, and children with special health needs

• Intensive home visits (weekly) to first time parents

• Provides education on prenatal care

• Provides education and information on child development

• Performs development testing

• Offers support to families

• Provides immunizations and WIC

• Offers support for smoking cessation

• Connects clients to other helpful services